Chapter 30.2, Problem 35SSC

To determine

To Explain: The plate which has a more positive potential.

Answer to Problem 35SSC

The plate which is stuck by the alpha particles has a more positive potential.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The formation of alpha particle is occurred by the alpha decaying of a radioactive nucleus.

Alpha particles are also known to be alpha rays that consists two protons and two neutrons bounded together.

They contain no electrons that can balance the two positively charged protons.

And hence alpha particles are positively charged particles that move at high speed.

The positive charge from the emitter plate moves and the alpha particles struck the plate. The particles on the plate are positively charged.

Therefore, the plate which is struck by the alpha particles tends to have more positive potential.

Conclusion:

Hence, the plate which is stuck by the alpha particles has more positive charge.